RIGHT ATRIOVENTRICULAR VALVE AR ATLAS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RIGHT ATRIOVENTRICULAR VALVE
AR Figure 85 – Right atrioventricular valve, Augmented Illustration by B. Leahu – MD. This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).
The right atrioventricular valve, commonly known as the tricuspid valve, is a critical component of the heart's valvular system. It is one of the two atrioventricular (AV) valves and functions to regulate blood flow between the right atrium and the right ventricle. By opening and closing during the cardiac cycle, it ensures unidirectional blood flow and prevents backflow into the atrium when the ventricle contracts. The tricuspid valve is characterized by its three leaflets or cusps: the anterior, posterior, and septal leaflets.
The superior (anterior) leaflet is the largest and is situated at the top of the valve structure.
The inferior (posterior) leaflet is located at the bottom, playing a vital role in sealing the orifice during ventricular contraction.
The septal leaflet, positioned adjacent to the interventricular septum, is unique due to its numerous tendinous cords that connect directly to the ventricular septum. This leaflet's hinge is inserted closer to the apex of the heart compared to the hinge of the mitral valve's leaflets on the left side.
The valve surrounds the right atrioventricular orifice, the opening between the right atrium and right ventricle. Notably, this orifice is larger than the left atrioventricular opening, accommodating the volume of blood returning from the body.
A crucial aspect of the tricuspid valve's function is the presence of a tension apparatus consisting of papillary muscles and chordae tendineae. This apparatus prevents the valve leaflets from inverting or prolapsing into the atrium during ventricular systole (contraction). The papillary muscles contract simultaneously with the ventricular myocardium, tightening the chordae tendineae and securing the leaflets in place. This coordinated action ensures efficient closure of the valve.
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